South Africa Records Lowest New Cases Since November

In a promising sign that a corner has been turned, South Africa has recorded its lowest number of new coronavirus infections in a 24-hour period, since November 2020.

The number of new cases – 1 379 – represents a 9% positivity rate as positive cases continue to decrease. There have now been 1 477 511 accumulative cases in SA.

The country is also seeing a decline in active cases, now standing at 67 091, with four provinces that are mostly affected. (KwaZulu-Natal is presently home to 23 008 peope who are currently infected; 11 141 in the Western Cape; 8 229 in the Free State, and 7 025 in the North West.)

Covid-19 Recovery rate in South Africa at 92%

The recovery rate has also steadily increased, with the Health Department reporting that 1 363 947 people in SA have now recovered from COVID-19, representing a recovery rate of 92%.

Unfortunately, a further 183 people lost their lives to COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 46 473 to date. In the last week of January, the Medical Research Council also noted there had been a decline in the number excess deaths in South Africa since November.

Of the recent deaths, 45 occurred in Gauteng, 30 in the Western Cape, 27 in the Eastern Cape, 24 in the Free State, 21 in Mpumalanga, 19 in the North West and 12 in Limpopo.

The Northern Cape is the only province that recorded a single-digit daily death toll from COVID-19, after two people succumbed to the respiratory disease.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients,” Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said.

With the 15 599 new tests performed since the last report, there are now 8 511 410 tests performed to date.

Globally, the World Health Organisation has reported 105 805 951 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 2 312 278 deaths. – SAnews.gov.za